Clown performer: “They've taken every element of the circus and amped it up to superhero status.”

When an aerialist balances on a pencil-thin wire or an acrobat lands seemingly impossible flips, it almost seems like circus performers have superhuman powers.

The new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus coming to Stabler Arena in Bethlehem starting Thursday builds on that idea with the theme "Super Circus Heroes." Unlike superheroes in movies, the circus performers use no special effects and no stunt doubles.

"Our vision for this show was to assemble acts that demonstrate the point where ordinary human ability can transcend to the superhuman," says producer Nicole Feld.

Andre Hicks plays a clown that is distinctive for his shock of blond hair. He plays a silly superhero trainer in the circus storyline. Through most of the show, he and fellow clown trainer Ivan Vargas struggle to teach Mr. Boredom, played by award-winning Italian clown Davis Vassallo, how to find a superpower of his own.

"This show is really fun," Hicks says. "They've taken every element of the circus and amped it up to superhero status."

Acts like a Russian hand balancing trio called the Lightning Rods have added elements to make them even more exciting, he says.

"They've taken this already amazing act and they have to maneuver through a laser obstacle course," he says. "It's a blend of classic circus act and modern delivery that literally wows the audience."

The Lopez family, which performs on the high wire, also has taken its act to a new level, he says.

Other "superpowers" are displayed by the Shaolin Warriors, martial artists from China who use concentration and strength to smash through wooden boards, break wooden poles and shatter steel bars with their hands, feet and heads.

The Cuban Comets demonstrate acrobatic skills on the teeterboard. And the Bulgarian Twin Titans combine hand balancing and aerial straps to form heroic poses above the audience.

Joining the human performers are three acts that incorporate dogs, ponies, camels and elephants.

The acts are directed by animal trainers Cathy and Brett Carden. They are known for their comedy Liberty Act, in which animals ranging from camels, Arabian horses, Shetland ponies and a miniature horse work together.

The Cardens' newest act feature dogs including terriers, poodles and mixed breeds that jump, tumble, flip and walk on their front and hind legs.

And what circus would be complete without elephants? The Cardens' act features three Asian elephants.

The intimate atmosphere at Stabler is especially exciting with the elephants, Hicks says.

"You get to be so close to the elephants and see how beautiful and magnificent they are," he says.

Through the show, Hicks and his clown colleagues tumble, slip and make pratfalls while trying to discover Mr. Boredom's superpower.

Hicks loves the opportunity to make audiences laugh. "I don't come from a circus family," he says. "It started as a hobby as a young kid. I was doing juggling and magic but it was a really passionate hobby."

As a 19-year-old, the North Carolina native auditioned for the circus in Coney Island in 2010 and was sent to Ringling Bros. Clown College.

"There were almost 200 people looking to fill six spots," he says.

Clown College was fun but is not where clowns learn to juggle and ride a unicycle. "What's really important is to have a good gag-writing skill set," he says. "It's like sketch comedy."

Every clown should be unique and an extension of your own personality, he says. "If you can exaggerate your own self, you can more effectively make that emotional connection with the audience," he says. "I like to be goofy. I found that my 'being bad at being cool' rang very true for me."

Ticket holders also can attend the pre-show Super Circus Heroes Training Camp an hour before showtime. Audience members can enter the center ring, where some circus performers will teach skills such as juggling, wire walking and dance routines. Participants can meet performers, take pictures and get autographs. Children can try on capes and other costumes and get a close look at the circus menagerie.

Hicks looks forward to the pre-show. "As a clown, the pre-show is such an amazing time when I get to make one-on-one connections with fans," he says. "I can see joy in kids' eyes when I do my clown gags. It's really magical."

Bethlehem is the final stop on the show's tour. "The last city is usually so emotional," he says. "We go full out and give it everything we've got."